MASSAGE THERAPY FAQ'S
Is Massage Therapy covered?
Massage Therapy is not covered through OHIP, but may be covered through your extended health care coverage. I also treat those covered through Veteran Affairs. I am no longer seeing clients with WSIB or Motor Vehicle claims.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy aims to treat or prevent physical dysfunction and pain by manipulating the soft tissues and joints of the body. The practice of massage therapy may be used for relaxation, to treat acute and chronic injuries, for maintenance care, preventative care, or palliative care. A massage treatment involves an assessment, a treatment and a home-care program.
What is a Registered Massage Therapist?
A Registered Massage Therapist is a health professional regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Only members of the CMTO are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist and use the letters MT or RMT. These terms are used interchangeably with the 'Registered' implied. Massage Therapists have completed a 2-3 year diploma programme from a recognized massage therapy school as well as a provincial examination. Massage therapists also participate in a Quality Assurance Programme that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.
What are the Benefits of Massage?
Through various techniques massage aids your body in waste elimination, circulation, enhancing nutrient supply and normalizing nervous system firing which increases the health of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of your body. This helps both with healing of current imbalances and in the prevention of others.
Massage helps clients obtain relief from many specific problems including: migraine and tension headaches, neck and shoulder tension, back pain, muscle spasm, whiplash, arthritis, circulatory problems, frozen shoulder, tendinitis/bursitis, digestive and lower bowel problems.
How Often Should I go?
It is very important that your appointments are scheduled regularly. The effects and benefits of a single treatment are temporary, as opposed to the accumulative effects of a regularly scheduled treatment plan.
Typically, a treatment plan runs 6-8 weeks, with a re-assessment of your progress at the end of this period.
Both, regular massage and your home care exercises help to integrate the treatment goals.
At the end of the treatment plan, many clients choose to continue with a regular health maintenance program for prevention and maintenance.
Missed appointments and poor home care performance are both common setbacks in a treatment plan.
Your therapist will discuss with you the frequency and duration of your suggested treatment plan.
Hesitant To Try Massage?
If you have no previous experience with therapeutic massage, it is normal to feel some apprehension.
Let me assure you of several things that are of common concern.
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A client is asked to undress and redress in privacy and, to their individual level of comfort.
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A client is never made to accept treatment to an area of the body they have not consented to.
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Only the area being worked on is respectfully and securely undraped for treatment. It is also possible to work over the linens if the client prefers.
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The client also has the right to withdraw their consent at any time throughout the treatment.
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Clients are made to feel secure and comfortable, and are fully informed of the treatment and their rights with respect to treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding therapeutic massage, please don’t hesitate to call.
LYMPHEDEMA FAQ'S
What is a lymphatic massage like?
A lymphatic massage does not involve the use of oil or lotion. It is a light massage applied directly to the skin that involves some skin stretch to facilitate the movement of lymphatic fluid through the vessels.
How long will it take to treat my lymphedema?
The initial phase of treatment will last 2-4 weeks with 2-5 sessions per week. This is dependent on the extent of the swelling and how advanced the lymphedema is. The focus on this phase of treatment is to decrease the volume of fluid in the limb. This may also involve daily wrapping or bandaging of the limb. Once the limb volume has been decreased you will be sent to a fitter for a compression garment which is typically worn daily thereafter. At this point, you should have the knowledge base and skill set necessary to manage this condition. I am always available to support you in this, but the goal is to have you take control and responsibility of your lymphedema.
Where are my lymphatic vessels located?
They are all over your body, much like your circulatory system. That being said, 70% of the vessels are located superficially, that is, close to the skins surface. These are the vessels that much of the lymphatic massage will be affecting directly .